Archive for January, 2009
Jan
28
Posted by
besttech
“Mommy, what’s wrong with you? Are you sick?”
My 3-year-old asked me that question one morning when he saw me taking the three pills I take every day. How do you answer a question a 3-year-old poses that you can’t even answer yourself? And how do you explain lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and other assorted auto immune disorders to a 3-year-old?
Well, yes, I’m sick. I’ve come to terms with it, having been diagnosed a few months ago. I know I will be on medication for the rest of my life. I know I will never be the me, before. That’s how I tell time now. “Oh, that happened before I got sick.”
“I am sick, Michael. But these pills make Mommy feel better.”
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Jan
27
Posted by
besttech
OBERLIN – Area students can boost their ACT test-taking skills, and their scores, by participating in a five-week preparation course.
The ACT Test Preparation course will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, 15181 state Route 58 South, Oberlin. The course begins Feb. 11.
In previous courses, students have averaged a four-point increase on practice tests.
The class will review English and math skills as well as test-taking strategies.
Higher test scores can affect students’ opportunities for admittance and scholarships.
The course costs $152 and includes materials. To...
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Jan
27
Posted by
besttech
Not long ago, Juanita Lopez searched online for information on the 1999 Columbine killings. She wanted to learn how the parents of the killers, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, coped with their grief — and their crushing guilt over the horrific massacre their sons committed.
“Not only is your kid dead,” says Lopez, who lives in Natomas, Calif., “but he’s responsible for the deaths of 13 other people. To live with that is a tough thing.”
In comparison, her own teenager’s 2007 brush with the law was blessedly insignificant, a shoplifting misdemeanor that was ultimately dismissed.
When teenagers stand accused, their parents often bear the brunt of the scrutiny and blame. Neither nature nor...
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Jan
27
Posted by
besttech
Let’s face it: Children aren’t cheap. While the smiles, laughter and joy they bring are priceless, the doctor bills, clothes and shoes, toys, dental work and college tuition add up to a small fortune.
From the supermarket to the movie theater, going out with children can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. This mother of two has some tips on how you can keep some of that hard-earned cash in your wallet without sacrificing fun.
SKIP THE KID’S MEAL
Forgo ordering a child’s meal at a restaurant. If your meal includes elements your child will eat, just ask for another plate and portion out some of the food.
THINK... Read more
Jan
27
Posted by
besttech
As the 44th president took oath among the seas of people crowding the Mall, it was a moment in history no doubt. As a D.C.-based mom and mommy blogger, it was impossible to not see the event through the lens of a parent. The parenting challenges that lay ahead for Michelle Obama, in particular, as she raises two young girls in the spotlight, are immense. And while President Obama’s inauguration speech had many messages, why not focus for the time being on the parallels to parenting?
His theme — that it won’t be easy, but we will get there — is one that parents could teach as they face any uphill battle. And his quote, which again, could apply as easily on the playground as it does on the political landscape, is one I really loved, that we...
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Jan
27
Posted by
besttech
It may be cold outside but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Bust out the sunless tanning lotion. Summer’s only five months away, so here are five favorite things to get you ready now.
1. Straw beach bag: Who doesn’t need a classic bag for a day at the beach of a trip around town? A seagrass one’s big enough to tote a few toys and diapers, too. $48. J.Crew
2. Peonies: A vase of fragrant flowers will always chase away the winter blues. Choose roses, lilacs, hyacinths or plumeria. I personally melt for peonies —- the staple of my wedding bouquet. $70. Teleflora
3. Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel: This bold Zin features fruity notes and just the right amount of oak to compliment grilled lamb or beef....
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Jan
27
Posted by
Alicia Castelli
I don’t think I’ve ever written a column about a book, but my children’s reaction to something I recently read to them was definitely column-worthy.
I checked “17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore” by Jenny Offill out of my local library and read it to my kids as they ate their evening snack right before bedtime. This was a horrible mistake but I couldn’t have known it at the time.
As experienced... Read more
Jan
26
Posted by
besttech
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Nearly $350,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded to recognize selfless acts of teenagers, courtesy of the Kohl’s Department Stores Kids Who Care Scholarship Program.
The awards will be given to 2,000 children, ages 6 to 18, who are selected from nominations received on the Kids Who Care Web site, www.kohlskids.com. Nominations are intended for those teens who make a difference in their communities.
Those who nominate a child will select a local store to attach the teen to, and two nominees from each of Kohl’s 1,004 stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl’s gift card. More than 190 of them will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward...
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Jan
26
Posted by
besttech
We’re not even through January and I am done with snow, ice and bitter cold. We’re in the midst of the coldest winter in eight years and the first brutally cold season I’ve endured with small children.
It’s rough. Just heading to the car involves wrangling hands into mittens and arms into coats. There are necks that need wrapping, heads that need hatting, feet that need socks pulled up and boots yanked on. Halfway through the process we may decide the weather warrants snowpants as well and we have to remove scarves, coats and boots to get on the padded overalls. G-d forbid a kid decides she needs to pee.
But worse than the gear is the cabin fever. I long for the days when a touch of boredom could be solved with a...
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Jan
26
Posted by
besttech
With these bins, everything has its (pretty) place
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(PHOTO)
By Becky Sher
McClatchy-Tribune
(MCT)
On Jan. 1, did you resolve to reorganize the playroom? Yeah, me too. Have you done it yet? Yeah, me neither. But I came across the Everything Bins at Serena & Lily, and now I’m inspired. I like a solid, utilitarian bin from Target or The Container Store as much as the next mom, but the thought of organizing hundreds of Legos into these boxes and tubs is just so much more interesting. The galvanized metal containers come...
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